Fire Breaks Out in Redlands, Motel Evacuated During Brief Threat

A Redlands Motel 6 was evacuated Wednesday afternoon, after a nearby fire briefly threatened the structure, fire officials report.

According to Fire Department Spokesman Carl Baker, the first was reported shortly before 1 p.m. just south of Interstate 10, between New York and Tennessee streets.

"High winds and several wind-related calls kept firefighters busy even before the report..." Baker said.  "Due to the winds the department staffed an additional engine, which proved crucial in responding quickly to the blaze."

Baker credited the City’s Fleet Services Manager Aaron Jenkins and mechanic Nick Lozano with helping get the blaze under control quickly, as they were driving by the area and spotted smoke.

"Driving the engine directly to fire, Jenkins and Lozano made contact with Fire Chief Jeff Frazier and Capt. Steve Fea, who were first on scene in a command vehicle," Baker said.  "The fleet services employees positioned the engine and activated the pump, allowing Chief Frazier and Capt. Fea to begin fighting the blaze until fully staffed equipment arrived a few minutes later."

“Our Fleet Services Division personnel perform in an exemplary manner on a daily basis keeping the Redlands Fire Department rolling,” said Frazier.  “On this day they performed above and beyond the call of duty.”

In total, it took firefighters just 15 minutes to contain the blaze.

Redlands police helped with the evacuations from the motel "...as flames briefly threatened the structure," according to Baker.

No injuries or damages were reported.